Spirit-Led Sermon Preparation

Ken Day is a Christian Leadership University student working on his doctorate. He preached last Sunday on anxiety, and people were in tears. I asked him if he had sermon notes. His response: “I never use outlines or notes. I journal until I am saturated with His word and voice. Then I ask the Lord to speak through me.” Ken is available to be contacted to preach.

Other Ways to Access this Blog: Watch Video Online | Listen to Podcast

It’s what we call lamad learning. This represents a perfect method for releasing Spirit-anointed life when you preach, teach, or lead a discussion group. You begin with a real-life issue. You meditate on Scriptures concerning that topic, and journal about them. This fills you with the Word and the Spirit. Then as you minister, you simply tune to flow and speak from flow, that is, the anointing flowing out from you. The overflow.

I also ask the lord to give me His vision of where the people are at, and His provision to meet their needs. So, I hold two back-to-back pictures in my mind as I speak: Their need, and God's provision to meet that need. As I gaze upon these as I preach, I will be engaging the right hemisphere of my mind which is where emotion and flow are processed. Now I am speaking with passion and flow! 

"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, (a picture of their need) They will be as white as snow (a picture of God's provision); Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool (Isa. 1:18).

For example, when I teach on seeing vision, the two pictures God gives me are 1) They are blind as bats and never been taught how to present their visionary capacity to Me, and 2) Teach them how to see vision all the time as Jesus did (Jn. 5:19,20,30).

I LOVE this approach. All my books and sermons come this way. Ken has permitted me to share with you a portion of the journaling he did in preparation for his Sunday morning sermon. It will bless you!

Journaling by Ken Day which prepared him to preach that sunday

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)

Lord, teach me this verse.  Lord. I give you thanks for everything in my life. The good and the bad. I recognize that all things are for good.

Son, look up the verse that I brought to your mind. (Romans 8:28)

Yes, Lord, I see that all things are from you. I see that your spirit will show me how to pray and will pray for me.

Son, bring all your concerns unto me. All concerns. When anxiety comes your way. Lift up your requests unto me. Pray and pray and pray unto Me. Give thanksgiving unto Me.  It opens up My courts by your praise. (Psalm 100.4)

 I see Lord. Come to prayer with rejoicing, singing, and giving You thanks and praise. Then let my requests be known unto You.

Yes, my child, this is a way to overcome your anxiety.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Come unto me, all that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)

Lord, teach me about your peace (John 14:27)

Kenny. I am peace. This peace you cannot understand. Yet, it takes trust that I will work things out when you come to Me in prayer with joy and thanksgiving.

Lord, what does your word mean that you will keep my heart and my mind through Christ?  Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, also believe in me. (John 14:1)  What does this mean?

 Son, it means to keep your mind and your hope on what I did at the Cross and the resurrection.

Lord, for example, what should I do about my friends and their problems?

Son, let us review the things to meditate on.  Look at what is true. It is this.  I am Truth, and my word is true. Therefore, you should think upon (meditate upon) my truth (Psalm 1:2-3). Kenny, the answer to the problem is in meditating on my word day and night.

Yes, Lord.

Kenny, keep your eyes on the things that are honorable and honest. Do good things for people.  Be seen as an honorable and honest person. Mediate and find things to glorify your Father in heaven.

Lord, what about thinking upon pure things?

Son, do not allow your eyes or the eyes of your heart to meditate on unholy rhema.  Things in the spiritual mind can be corrupted. Keep your heart’s mind on honesty. Use the eyes of your Godly imagination for things that are pure and holy.

Lord, what about just things?

These are righteous and just causes and thoughts of your heart. The right things in life you are to keep in your mind and meditations.

Son, study each of these words. Mediate on Strong’s bible dictionary, and this will be helpful to your study?

Lord, what is lovely?

Kenny, keep your eyes on the beautiful things of the Lord. The beautiful creation and the positive things and outcomes. I have placed Mark Virkler’s teaching on hearing my voice in your path. Why? It is lovely. Son, I placed you in the work of preaching as a way of being lovely towards you and others.  Son, focus your mind on the things of good report about my people and me. You will find virtue in all these things. Yet, remember, if you keep your mind on me and not your problems, peace will come.  Remember virtue and praise. Most importantly, remember you can do all things through me, the one who strengthens you. To do all things, you must keep your eyes on me.

Yes, Lord, thank you for the word.

Good morning, Holy Spirit. Show more about my sermon from you to your people.  John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Lord, what does this really mean to me and to your people?

Kenny, I am the peace you need. It is an eternal peace that passes your understanding. See, my peace is something I have left with you, and it is given to you as a gift.  I died at the Cross so that you can have peace. Peace with the Father.

Lord, it says, let me not be afraid. Yet I still have fear. Why?

My son, satan, wants you to have fear. He is the opposite of faith.  Son, do not be afraid, for I am with you always. I am the comforter when you study and teach. Therefore, do not be afraid. Study the word peace. See what it means. You are not at peace. You have never been at total peace. You are always striving. Rest and let go. Let my peace rest upon you.  My Holy Spirit will give you the peace you need.

Yes, Lord. I need that peace from anxiety and worry, like those who will be listening.

Oh, Lord, give me the peace I need. I see that I grieve for … and I grieve for … I am beginning to see that I need you more than ever before.

Yes, my son, you have emotional problems that you have never dealt with.  Let me be your peace.

Lord, Your word teaches me to come to You in prayer and request with a thankful heart. Teach me how to do that.

Son, as you come across your day, lift it all up to me. Give thanks before you come into my chamber, and let me know what your concerns and troubles are.

Meditate on those things I have shown you.

Lord, I see.  Mediate on them, receive them, and do them. These things will allow you to be with me. I see.  It is all about my Lord Jesus. Yes, Lord, thank you for the word.

Lord, teach the words they must hear today.
Kenny, teach my people to come unto Me with all their anxieties and troubles. I will heal their land. I am their help in their troubles. I am the one who has made the earth. I am that peace. I am the one who has brought peace to the world. Peace through the Cross.  My son, tell them to give thanks for all things. Give thanks for me, for I am their peace. 

Lord, I do not have peace now. I am nervous.

Son, be still and know me. I know the concerns of you heart. Do not worry. I will take care of all the problems. Keep your eyes on me.  The author and finisher of your faith.

Thank you so much, Lord. I am beginning to feel peace.

Kenny, my peace comes to you through the Cross. I exchanged my life for yours. When I said, “It is finished.”

It is finished, meaning your peace.  I am your peace. Remember, I have sent you the Holy Ghost to be your peace. Call upon me and listen to my voice. I will give you and all who listen peace.

Lord, use me, oh Lord. Use me today. Use me like never before. I know my church.

My son, your people need to know about peace and me. They are disturbed about events as you are. I will give everyone peace today with all their problems. How? I will use you to teach them how to come unto me that are heavy laden. I will give them rest. 

Lord, I see that this is giving a peace beyond my understanding. Oh, I give thanks for this prayer. Oh Father, I see that all peace comes through your Son Jesus Christ. My peace is through Jesus, and he has sent the Holy Spirit to help with the remembrance of this peace.

Father, I feel that the instructions are so beautiful. Please give me further explanation. 

Kenny, you know. I am the truth. I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. Think upon this instead of the anxieties of life.

Lord, what are the things that are honest or honorable?

Follow the precepts of Christ. Follow his example in the Bible. Go about doing my business, which are those things that are honest and honorable things to think upon.

Father, what are the things that are just?

Son, justice, and righteousness. Think about the right things in life. Stand for justice and righteousness. I am your righteousness.

Lord, what are the pure things?  My word is pure. Son, think upon my word. Meditate upon it.

Father, what are the lovely things?  See Kenny, things that are desirable in life. A pleasant life in me.

I see, Lord, what does good report mean?  A good reputation. Think upon it. Follow me, and you will have a positive and good reputation in the community and those around you. This helps with spreading the gospel.

Father, apparently, the Apostle Paul had been an example of all these things.  He said to do these things, and your peace shall be with me.

Kenny, listen. Paul was my chosen vessel. He did all that he recommended through my power. My peace was with him.

Lord, show me how the 121st Psalm ties in with this message.

My son, lift up your eyes unto the Hills. Look unto me for your help in worry, anxiety, and trouble. See, I am the creator. Cannot the creator help you with your concerns in life?

Oh, yes, Lord.

Well, I can help your church. I can help anyone who calls upon me.

I see, Lord, that you do not slip or go to sleep. You are always aware of my worries and concerns.

Kenny, cast all your cares upon me.

Lord, it says you stand beside me. Like you are now.

Oh, yes, my son. Oh yes, I am standing beside you today.

Journaling application

1. Lord, what would You speak to me concerning living in peace?
2. Lord, what would You speak to me concerning how You would have me prepare sermons, teachings, and writings?

Dig deeper: Spirit-Anointed Teaching Seminar Guide

Free Video Event: Sept. 23-30, 2025
  Everyday Angels – How to Encounter, Experience & Engage Angels in Everyday Life

Register now

CLU Course of the Month:
THE315 Experiencing Angels

Request 40% tuition discount until September 30th when ordering here.

Add any second course for 40% tuition discount

What if you already own the “Course of the Month”?

Order ANY COMBO of two courses for 40% tuition discount on each!

Payment plans are available and start dates are flexible.

Master the Bible and Spirit-filled living.
What are you waiting for? Enroll in CLU today.

Be part of God’s revival team equipping believers worldwide to hear their heavenly Father’s voice and live out of communion with His Spirit daily (2 Cor. 13:14). Donate monthly or a one-time gift. 
Fan the flames of revival by sharing this blog with your friends on social media!